Fuji Xerox Begins Providing New Secure, Low-cost Internet VPN Service That Connects Up to 5,000 Sites

TOKYO, September 18, 2008 — Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. has developed a service called “beat/vpn” that provides large-scale network infrastructure connecting headquarters with branch stores for customers with multiple sites or stores mainly in the distribution and restaurant industries. Sales will begin on September 29 through Fuji Xerox’s sales partners.

“beat/vpn” is an Internet VPN^{Note 1} service using software framework that connects a hub, such as headquarters or a data center that operates POS or sales and inventory management systems, with client PCs installed at multiple spoke sites such as stores.

The service provides a highly secure network environment by employing security functions on appliances installed at the hub, including a total screening type firewall from the company’s providing “beat” ^{Note 2} service. Also, setting up a redundant configuration with up to 50 appliances at the hub realizes high reliability and expandability in the creation and operation of large networks. Since connection from up to 5,000 spoke PCs is possible, the appliances at the hub are equipped with a tool that enables the centralized management of these spoke PCs, thereby also achieving simplicity from operational and management perspectives.

Although running costs^{Note 3} at spoke sites can be a challenge when operating a large network with connection to multiple sites, Fuji Xerox has suppressed total operating costs including Internet connection, ISP^{Note 4} service and the “beat/vpn” service to under 10,000 yen per month (calculated using market rates estimated by Fuji Xerox).

With advancements in IT technology and maturation in the broadband society, communication between sites on intranet is shifting from private lines, dial-up and frame relay to IP-VPN and Internet VPN. Against this backdrop, various industries and businesses, including the distribution and restaurant sectors, demand to shift from dial-up connection using ISDN lines, which has been mainstream up until this point, to constant connection using broadband lines. This will be especially useful in such operations as collating sales and inventory information input from POS terminals in stores utilizing business systems at the hub.

In response to such needs, Fuji Xerox designed the “beat/vpn” service, which enables the introduction of core business network infrastructure for companies with multiple sites or stores nationwide in a secure manner and at a low cost. This service will be sold through partner companies such as system integrators that Fuji Xerox has concluded agency agreements with. Fuji Xerox plans to conclude partner agreements with roughly 20 companies in the next three years.

Note 1

VPN (Virtual Private Network): A technology or its service that enables a widely utilized network such as the Internet or regional IP network to be used as if it were a private line, ensuring confidentiality in communications between sites through data and path encryption.

Note 2

Running costs: The monthly fee for the “beat/vpn” service and initial registration fee are required separately as creation and operational expenses at the hub.

Note 3

ISP (Internet Service Provider): A company which offers access to the Internet using dial-up or other means of data telecommunication for households or organizations they have concluded agreements with.

About beat service

beat service is an all-in-one service that provides creation and management of stable, efficient networks as IT infrastructure for small- and medium-sized enterprises. It includes security measures such as total screening type firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware functions, and an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), remote monitoring 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, phone assistance via a contact center, as well as on-site maintenance via Fuji Xerox’s nationwide maintenance service network, all for the low cost of 18,800 yen per month.
Official homepage of beat service : http://www.net-beat.com/ (only in Japanese)

Configuration of beat/vpn Service